Arooj Zulfiqar

In a rapidly evolving digital age, calls for increased representation of women in the tech industry are growing ever louder. Empowering women in tech leadership roles is not only a matter of gender equality but a strategic necessity for Pakistan's national development.

"Creating an environment that supports women through safe transportation, inclusive workplaces, and targeted skill development programmes is crucial," said Junaid Imam, Member of IT at the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT). Talking to WealthPK, he also pointed out that role models and mentors were vital in inspiring the next generation of female tech leaders. "Moreover, empowering women in tech can contribute to broader socioeconomic development goals. Women in tech leadership can drive policies and projects that address local challenges, such as digital literacy, education and healthcare," he said.   "Their leadership can create a ripple effect, encouraging more young girls to pursue careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field. However, the barriers women face in the tech industry are multifaceted, ranging from societal norms and gender biases to a lack of mentorship and networking opportunities," he maintained.

Junaid said the tech industry needed to address these barriers systematically. "Initiatives aimed at mentoring young women, providing scholarships and creating inclusive workplaces are essential." According to P@SHA Salary Survey 2021, the gender diversity ratio of the IT industry in Pakistan is 17.08%. The IT industry is the fastest-growing industry and a major contributor to the GDP of Pakistan. Increasing the number of women in tech leadership roles has far-reaching implications. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better financially. McKinsey's research indicates that companies with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to outperform their peers. Junaid, the Member IT, stressed the need for increased investment in education and training programmes specifically tailored for women. "Additionally, equipping women with advanced digital skills will not only improve their employability but also enable them to contribute significantly to the tech-driven economy.

Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector and educational institutions are essential to create a robust support system for women in tech." Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasises the current government's commitment to empowering women and recognising their vital role in driving the country's development. She made these remarks during the "Women Shaping the Tech Landscape of Pakistan" webinar, which was hosted by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication recently. Shaza said that steps are underway for empowering women by equipping them with digital skills. "The Ministry of IT & Telecom is committed to implementing policies and programmes that support skills development and empower women at all levels of the tech industry. It is our vision to create an inclusive and equitable tech industry where women have equal opportunities to succeed," she said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk